Learn about what motivates the TRG Team in this month’s Meet The TRG Team with Steve Livsey
Welcome to our latest edition of TRG’s “Meet the Team” blog! This month, we’re excited to feature Steve Livsey, whose inspiring journey in the tyre industry spans over 15 years of expertise and growth. From starting as a trainee tyre fitter to becoming a key leader in managing one of the biggest mine sites in Western Australia, Steve’s story is one of dedication, leadership, and development.
Steve oversees critical day-to-day operations and staff management while fostering a positive and productive team environment. Learn about the challenges he has faced, his leadership style and the initiatives he’s implemented to support team development. Discover how Steve stays updated with industry trends and the exciting projects he’s working on, focusing on promoting a healthy work lifestyle.
1. What are your main responsibilities in your current role at TRG?
I have been in the tyre industry for over 15 years, during which I have gained extensive experience working with a wide range of machines and tyres. I started as a trainee tyre fitter and worked my way up to various leadership roles. I came across TRG when the company had just been established and thought it would be a great career opportunity and challenge to advance my skills in an up-and-coming company.
2. What are your main responsibilities in your current role at TRG?
My role has various aspects including both operational tasks and managing a crew. Main operational responsibilities in my current role are to oversee day-to-day operations which include tasks such as coordinating and scheduling workflow, and quality control to ensure maintenance plans and job scopes are efficiently met and executed according to safety standards. As for my crew, my primary responsibility is staff management, addressing any concerns or issues that might arise during the shift, ensuring a safe work environment, provide opportunities to learn and upskill.
3. How would you describe your leadership style?
I strive to get the best out of my team and recognise their value, always willing to share my knowledge and expertise in matters they might not be familiar with, educate and encourage them to find ways to advance their career in the industry
4. What approaches do you take to develop a positive and productive team environment?
As a leader, my main goal is to be approachable, take an interest in and care about the team both on and off-site. I try to encourage teamwork where possible, to share knowledge and experience, but also to build connections. Take any feedback on board and address concerns as they arise.
5. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role, and how did you overcome them?
Though having had previous leadership roles, each site and client is different. Managing one of the biggest mine sites in WA is a challenge in itself due to high volume of work and tight turnaround times to maintain minimum downtime of a machine not being operational. In addition, navigating staff-related issues as they arise can be a complex matter. A way to overcome this has been to ask for help when needed, be a team player, consult with peers and management – be willing to accept help and learn from mistakes.
6. What initiatives have you implemented to support your team’s professional development?
I encourage each crew member to step up and try their hand at leading a crew. This will help provide insight into managerial roles, expectations and challenges that come with it and the skills required to be successful at it.
7. How do you stay updated with industry trends and innovations?
By networking with other industry professionals and like-minded people. Attending relevant seminars, and workshops and undertaking any additional training.
8. What exciting developments or projects are you currently working on?
My focus will be to promote a healthy and active lifestyle, which in return will benefit in healthy and safe work environment.
9. What are your personal and professional growth goals at TRG?
Personal level, to work alongside and create a community amongst supervisors, focused on supporting each other whilst being in similar roles, sharing knowledge and expertise. I believe growth comes from leaders having a common goal and management methods.
Professional, to work with the management to create a successful company and rewarding work environment, a leader in the industry.
10. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to take on a management role in this industry?
Be eager to learn, ask questions, find ways to upskill, seek out mentors for guidance and make your manager aware of your goals in the industry so they can help you along the way.
11. How do you mentor and support your team members to reach their full potential?
I take time to teach and train my team across all areas, right down to the finer details of the job. I aim to be approachable, answer any questions they might have, and share the knowledge I’ve gained after many years in the industry.
12. How do you manage work-life balance in a demanding role?
When at home, my family has my full attention. I keep my work life separate and dedicate the time I have at home to spend with my family and friends.
13. What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
I am an avid golfer and enjoy playing squash. I also aim to follow a gym routine on and off-site to keep active and healthy.
14. How do you envision your role evolving as TRG continues to grow and succeed?
I envision myself working towards a Perth-based managerial or training role, to help like-minded people reach their full potential in the industry.